Springfield city councilors John Lysak and James Ferrera defend campaign finances

Left to right, Springfield city councilors James Ferrera III and John Lysak

SPRINGFIELD – Ward 8 City Councilor John A. Lysak said his many campaign expenses at area restaurants and convenience stores this year is his way of thanking and conferring with his volunteers and workers, ranging from meals and snacks to one case of paying one worker $20 for gasoline.

The expenses, however, have drawn criticism from Orlando Ramos, Lysak’s opponent on the November ballot. Ramos said that Lysak’s meal tabs are excessive and he is “not buying” Lysak’s explanation.

“There’s nothing illegal being done,” Lysak said. “This kid (Ramos) has nothing on me. I take them out to eat.”

Orlando Ramos

Another elected official, at-large City Councilor James J. Ferrera III, has a different issue – Ferrera repaid $4,405 to his campaign coffers after being notified by the state that he was reimbursed too much for past loans.

Specifically, he loaned his campaign $21,990 since 2005, and was repaid a total of $26,395 since 2007 — an overpayment of $4,405, according to the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Ferrera blamed the mistake on his treasurer, Catherine Cocchi, his grandmother.

Ferrera said he immediately resolved the matter and advised Cocchi to be more careful. His account was down to $31.35 on Aug. 16, before being reimbursed by Ferrera on Aug. 24. No fines are pending, a state office spokesman said.

“It was really not a huge issue,” Ferrera said. “It was paid back.”

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Regarding Lysak’s campaign, his expenses this year have included nine purchases at Osaka Japanese restaurant, ranging from $35 to $85 each sitting, and five purchases at Sianos Pizzeria, ranging from $10 to $20, according to campaign reports.

The restaurant stops were gatherings with campaign workers and volunteers, as campaign funds were used to pay their meals and often his, he said.

He has also had expenses at Cumberland Farms four times, ranging from $1.89 to $6.43.

Among the expenses, Lysak said he might buy soft drinks and snacks for one or more workers, such as drinks purchased for volunteers who took part in three clothing drives for victims of the June 1 tornado. In the case of Siano’s, he would buy pizza for his workers.

In July, he recalled spending $20 for gasoline for one of his volunteers who was dropping off campaign materials.

A $38.59 expense at Market Liquors was for beverages including wine for volunteers preparing for a festival at Immaculate Conception Church, also legal under state campaign laws, Lysak said.

Jason Tait, a spokesman for the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance, declined comment on Lysak, but offered a general comment.

“A candidate can make expenditures to enhance his or her political future, so long as the expenditures are not primarily personal,” Tait said. “Meals are allowed if they fall within that statute. For instance, campaign funds can be used to purchase food for a campaign event, or to meet with constituents to discuss government services.”

Lysak said he uses a debit card for many of his expenses, and has discussed the matter with the state campaign office.

Tate said the agency recommends candidates not use debit cards, but the use is legal for purchases under $50.

In August, Lysak was assessed three overdraft fees, according to his reports. Lysak said the overdrafts were accidental.

He has not had a treasurer in approximately three months. His last treasurer was his grandmother, who at age 85, “did not want to do it anymore,” he said

Lysak said he is trying to find a new treasurer.

Lysak said Ramos has unions and other groups who pay for people to knock on doors. Ramos said there are unions that support him who provide volunteers to knock on doors, and he could not verify payments.

Ramos said as a state employee himself working for state Sen. James T. Welch, he has nothing to do with political fundraising matters.